This is an update to, and continuation of, the out-of-print 9th edition of my guidebook WEEKEND ADVENTURES IN SAN FRANCISCO & NORTHERN CALIFORNIA. It consists of short chunks of travel throughout Northern California that you can easily digest. More great weekend adventures await at my BERKELEY AND BEYOND website at www.berkeleyandbeyond.com.

Wednesday, November 4, 2015

Touted as the "capital of Silicon Valley" (a title that seems valid considering that 24 of the area's largest computer companies have headquarters or divisions here), San Jose is the country's tenth-largest city, California's third-largest, and the Bay Area’s largest. It is also California’s oldest city (it was founded as a Spanish pueblo in 1777 and was the state capital from 1849 to 1851). And it was the first city on the West Coast to be lit with electricity, plus it has the largest Vietnamese population outside of Vietnam, not to mention it was recently named the happiest, healthiest, and smartest city in the country. But even with all these superlatives to its credit, San Jose has received relatively little attention for its attractions. That is changing as the city concentrates on revitalizing its downtown area. Now, visitors to the city center can enjoy its many cultural offerings as well as a reliably mild climate—it boasts more than 300 days of sunshine annually. But be warned, the song “Do You Know the Way to San Jose” was written for a reason. Though downtown is easy to maneuver on foot, the greater city is gigantic and easy to get lost in. Secure a good map, and always allow extra time when driving.

subscribe

follow this blog by e-mail

about

*Is a freelance travel writer and the author of 17 books, including
MILES OF SMILES: 101 GREAT CAR GAMES & ACTIVITIES and WEEKEND
ADVENTURES IN SAN FRANCISCO & NORTHERN CALIFORNIA. *Is the founding
publisher of Carousel Press and the editor of DREAM SLEEPS: CASTLE &
PALACE HOTELS OF EUROPE. *Has written for FamilyFun, Sunset, and
numerous other magazines, as well as for the travel sections of many
newspapers. *Has done stints as both a movie and a restaurant critic.
*Has appeared on the Today Show.*Is a member of the Society of
American Travel Writers.